Bone Marrow Aspirate and Biopsy

What is a bone marrow aspirate and biopsy?

A bone marrow aspirate and biopsy is a procedure in which the blood-forming bone marrow is obtained for examination in the laboratory. The procedure consists of inserting a special needle into a bone (usually the pelvic bone) and obtaining two samples: the liquid marrow (aspirate) and a small core of the bone marrow (biopsy). The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to perform.

Is sedation required for this procedure?

To minimise discomfort, light intravenous sedation is usually given during a bone marrow biopsy. Due to this, you will need to remain in hospital for at least two hours after the procedure.

Please also note the following essential points:

You should have nothing to eat (including chewing gum or any type of lolly) from midnight the night before the procedure.

You can continue drinking plain water (up to 200 ml per hour) until 6.30 am, then stop.

Except for medications that you have been asked to stop, you should take your normal morning medications with a small amount of water, before 6.30 am.

As sedation is usually given, you must arrange for a responsible person to care for you for 12 hours following your procedure.

You will be discharged into the care of your ‘responsible person’ and for your safety it is important to observe the following guidelines:

For 12 hours following your procedure:

do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery

do not drink alcohol

do not sign any legal documents

do not make any important decisions.

Follow all post-procedural instructions given to you.

If you are not going home in a private car, your responsible person can accompany you home in a taxi; however, the use of public transport is not recommended.

Prior to your procedure

Confirm your booking five days prior to procedure by phoning 07 3163 8244 (Monday to Friday between 8.30 am and 4 pm).

Bring your responsible person’s contact details to hospital with you.

You can choose to wear your own clothing or a hospital gown. Your personal belongings can be placed in a bag and kept with you in the procedure room.

After your procedure

After the procedure you may remain drowsy for several hours. You will have a dressing over the biopsy site(s). This dressing should be left in place for 24 hours. The dressing is water resistant so you can shower with it in place.

The biopsy site may be bruised and painful after the procedure. A simple analgesic such as paracetamol should provide adequate pain relief.

If you notice undue bleeding from the site, please seek prompt medical attention.

Your doctor will arrange an appointment to discuss the results of the procedure with you.

What are the risks of bone marrow biopsy?

Complications are uncommon. Minor complications include bleeding from the biopsy site, which should stop by applying pressure to the site, and wound infection. Serious complications are very rare and include severe bleeding, which may require a blood transfusion. If you experience any of the following, please seek urgent medical attention:

Severe pain

On-going bleeding

Shortness of breath and/or dizziness

Signs of infection at the biopsy site, including fevers.

Contacts

Please contact your nearest Emergency Department or the Day Procedure Unit via 07 3163 8701 (Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4 pm) should you have any complications or concerns about your recovery.